John Lastinger

John Lastinger was born in Columbia, South Carolina. He graduated from Lexington High School. He earned an associate degree from Midlands Technical College in 1974 and an associate degree from the Gloryland Bible Institute in 1978. His career experience includes working as a minister. He has been affiliated with the Lexington County GOP and GoStrategic.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a Christian Conservative Republican. I have pastored for 47 years and been married for 50 years. We have 2 sons and 6 grand babies.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

We need to get back to the Biblical roots of our country.Quality education should teach basics and not ideology. Our students are being disassociated with our roots, and our history is being rewritten.Our state and district have seen a lot of growth and it's expected to continue. Our government representatives need to be more proactive in ensuring we have the proper infrastructure.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

See above.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Dan Mohler and Dennis Peacock. Both represent Godly leadership and true Christian character.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, having values and principles.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To care for and serve the people in my district.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The world is a better place because I lived.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Assassination of President Kennedy when I was in third grade.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Helper in a radio/TV repair shop at age 13 during summer break.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Bible. It has all the answers needed in life to succeed.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Not fictional character, William Wallace inspires me

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Time management

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Support his vision best we can to accomplish his goals in his executive position and also to serve as a check and balance to his office.

The legislators should help come up with answers and solutions that can be presented to the governor for his approval.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Infrastructure, education, reducing taxes. Do ensure our state is prolife and conservative. To bring back Biblical values.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

No

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, relationships are crucial. The Bible says a house divided against itself cannot stand. division weakens us and unity strengthens us.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Senator Billy Garrett, former Representative Mac Toole, and Representative John McCravy because of their conservative Christian values.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Not at this time

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

While door knocking, I experienced many times where people would share personal concerns and we would pray together. They welcomed me into their homes and offered prayer for me while sharing their concerns for our district. One senior lady was concerned about leaving her neighborhood because of the increase of traffic. Another lady shared how her husband was dying and her concern how she would make it when he passed.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

I believe that is the job of the Governor to be able to operate in their executive role, as our president does, and in accordance to our state constitution.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

Education from the stand point of having text books that reinforce America's true history and removing any materials that are in line with CRT and the woke agenda. In that, removing illicit materials from school libraries.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Family and friends

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

SC already has a process in which we submit resolutions to the legislature for consideration via the Republican party.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

People trying to life every day life with challenges they face.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Married 50 years, father of two awesome boys, two fabulous daughter in laws, and six amazing grandchildren. Pastored same church for 47 years.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in your state?

Closed primaries

John Lastinger did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.